Sending support and love to our Boston players and alumni who experienced the pandemic on the front lines. All over the country, people are still tackling COVID-19. Here are some of our alumni and players who are on the front line helping fight this virus.
Read a few words from Tory Avery, Meaghan Gorman, Marge Reiss, Courtney Leahy, Coilin Jones, Stacy Powell, and Amy Flynn.
Here are a few words from Tory Avery:
Typically I am an inpatient oncology nurse, but since March I have been working in various ICUs throughout my hospital in order to care for all of our critically I'll COVID-19 patients. I think most rugby players can relate to the team-like atmosphere of health care right now. When the team needs you to step up and play another position or put in extra work, you do it. And no matter where you go on the field (or in my case the hospital) your teammates are there to help you.
I am so lucky to work alongside intelligent, compassionate people who have helped me learn some new skills on the fly. The world is one big team right right now and I am so impressed with the generosity, selflessness and creativity I have seen from everyone around me. Whatever you are doing right now, making PPE (thanks!), learning to work from home, or simply keeping yourself healthy, it is making an impact.
Here are a few words from Meaghan “Thor” Gorman:
I’m a public and mental health nurse which means that I’m in the community working with patients to get them and keep them engaged in healthcare. This means everyday I’m in shelters, streets, and tents to reach the people at highest risk for COVID-19 due to lack of resources, access to care, and preexisting conditions. Staying in the comfort of your home is the best you can do to protect those that don’t have a place to isolate.
Me and my team could not do this without the support of all of our friends and family, especially with generous PPE donations. We had fully run out of masks due to shortages prior to these donations, meaning I’m providing care with no mask or reusing masks as long as possible. If you have access to supplies please consider donating to hospitals and community health workers who need them!
Here are a few words from Marge Reiss:
I am a physical therapist working in an acute rehab hospital. Each day, we work to help our patients rebuild strength and regain independence following debilitating illness and injury. As we continue to navigate through unprecedented events in the world of healthcare, I feel lucky to work alongside so many passionate individuals committed to planning for a future beyond COVID-19 and helping our patients rebuild their lives following the days spent in the ICU.
As therapists we wear many hats. We become cheerleaders and rally behind our patients during their worst days while celebrating successes when they are at their best. When patients are isolated from their families, we serve not only as someone to talk to but more importantly someone to listen. Help us help them. Stay home, wash your hands, and reach out to your essential employees. Chances are we can use some encouragement too.
Huge thank you to my BWRFC family; your overwhelming support keeps us motivated during these trying times. Your donations keep us safe and make it possible to help those who need us most. Together, we move forward.
Here are a few words from Courtney Leahy:
With schools being closed, athletic trainers like myself and my coworker have been pulled back into the hospitals we're hired through to help with screening. We screen every patients and employee before they can enter the building. Staff are made sure they are wearing proper PPE and patients are asked a series of questions and given a visitors sticker from us, stating where they are going. EVERYONE is required to wash their hands before they can come in.
Other athletic trainers and I have been pulled to the front lines, being the "on the ground" men and women. Like many other hospitals and health professionals, we are quickly running out of the supplies we need to keep ourselves and others safe. Donations and people following safety protocols has been what's keeping those of us who are considered essential employees safe.
Thank you for your kindness, continue to wash your hands, and please keep yourselves safe.
We wanted to give a shoutout to Coilin “Jonesy“ Jones! Jonesy was a BWRFC Coach for many years, and has been working doubles for days straight at the 911 Emergency Telecommunications Dispatch Center in Waltham. It is his work that is keeping the wheels turning during this time of need!
Here are a few words from Alumni Stacy Powell:
My name is Stacy, but people in the rugby world probably just know be as a not-so-dainty redhead. I was lucky to play rugby with BWRFC from 2010-2014. Those were some of the best years of my life - I cherish all of the memories and friendships made (I miss you all!) When I was 27, I decided to change careers and pursue nursing. Although it was a dream to provide care for people at the bedside, I was torn because it meant cutting back on rugby. I decided that to be the best nurse possible, I had to cut back on the sport I love because of the risk of injury.
I’ve been working on the neurology & neurosurgery step down unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for 5 years now. The patient population includes strokes, brain tumors, brain cancer, spine surgery, seizure monitoring, and so much more. A typical 12 hour shift is both exhausting and rewarding at the same time. This job puts life in perspective, and constantly reminds us to count our blessings. To be grateful to walk, talk, and express our needs. To take a deep breath, breathe on our own.
Now, we are seeing the hospital fill up with CoVid 19 positive patients. This virus is affecting everyone’s life. It’s a scary time, we are in crisis-mode. But, we are not alone.
We will do everything we can for each and every one of our patients.
To my Boston Rugby family - Thank you from my Brigham family. Thank you for coming together, strength in numbers, making masks, and raising funds for all those on the front lines (thank you to all those people, too!)
Your hearts are huge. Thank you for helping us, help others.
Here are a few words from Alumni Amy “Flynnie” Flynn:
My name is Amy, but most know me as Flynnie especially in the BWRFC family. I came across rugby at Plymouth State College back in 1993, gave it a try. I never looked back after that. I LOVED it!! After I graduated I found Boston Women's. I played from 1997-2005 as either a Wing, Fullback and Inside Center. I've always been shy and quiet, but once I stepped on the pitch I found a whole new confidence in myself. The friendships and memories I've made over the years I will cherish my entire life.
I've been an officer with the Suffolk County Sheriffs Department going on 19 years. Back in 2005 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is a autoimmune disease. Unfortunately I had to self quarantine at the end of March, due to the COVID-19 being at our doorstep. I keep my brother and sister officers in my thoughts. They show up every day, walk through the front door not knowing what the day will bring. Now even more uncertainty with the pandemic crisis. I want to thank ALL essential personnel on the front lines also. Be careful and watch out for one another. These are trying times, but we will get through it together.
To my BWRFC family current players and alumni-Thank you ladies for all the time and effort you are putting in to help all those on the front lines. You are all amazing women!